Thermal Engineer II Verified today
Role
The Thermal Engineer II supports the design, build, test, and operation of thermal control system components for spacecraft, including lunar landers and surface power systems. You will report to the Propulsion and Thermal Systems Manager within the Engineering Department in Pittsburgh, PA.
What You'll Do
- Support the design, integration, testing, and operation of thermal control systems for spacecraft, lunar landers, lunar surface power, lunar rovers, and other space systems
- Create conceptual and detailed designs of spacecraft thermal system components and hardware
- Build and run component and spacecraft thermal models to guide design and operational decisions
- Create specifications for vendor-supplied components and validate component performance
- Provide support during spacecraft assembly in the cleanroom
- Support in-house TVAC (thermal vacuum chamber) testing of components and external thermal testing as required
- Train in mission operations procedures and provide real-time mission operations support
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar Engineering with 2 years of experience in thermal technologies, OR Master's Degree with related thermal experience
- Proficient understanding of thermal-fluid engineering fundamentals with ability to create or apply tools to guide hardware design and performance prediction
- Experience using thermal-fluid system design and analysis software (Thermal Desktop, Ansys Thermal, or Amesim preferred) to perform thermal calculations
- Proficiency in analytical/scientific programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Matlab, or Fortran
- Ability to learn, take direction from senior engineers, pursue results independently, and engage in constructively challenging discussions
- Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
- Experience with TVAC (thermal vacuum chamber) testing of space hardware
- Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (Ansys FLUENT or CFX)
- Experience with space and lunar systems, environments, and design considerations
- Experience taking concepts from initial idea to final product
- Experience designing or analyzing thermal control system components such as heaters, sensors, radiators, multi-layer insulation (MLI), coatings, heat pipes, and related hardware
Requirements
- ITAR access required; applicant must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3))
- Ability to lift, move, or carry items or equipment up to 25-50 pounds
- Occasional travel, periodic with specified project need, with stays up to one week when on-site support is required
Benefits
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with significant company premium contributions and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
- Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ nationwide options
- 401(k) retirement plan with 50% company match on contributions up to 8%
- Company wellness programs
- Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
- Relocation assistance provided for qualified candidates moving to Pittsburgh, PA